The move is part of a major restructure of Emap, which is being split into three separate businesses. It will be re-named Top Right Group.
Mark Shashoua, who became MD of Emap Connect last November, will head the i2i business. Speaking to Event today, he said he will invest in new and better content and focus on expansion opportunities in China, Latin America and Singapore.
Shashoua said educational technology exhibition BETT would be one of the first shows i2i will expand and take to other overseas markets. "It's going to have more international speakers, more technical contect and become a more global event," he said
I2i’s event portfolio includes World Retail Congress, Naidex, Spring Fair International, RWM, BVE, Pure London and World Architecture Festival. The group also manages the Lions Festival.
Shashoua told Event: "Historically, Emap has been a publishing group that is best known for its magazine portfolio, despite that business accounting for only 20% of revenues. Emap Connenct accounts for 44% of the group’s total turnover, but it was always in the background. Now we are a stand-alone events company, with the opportunity to grow our brands globally and the freedom to make our own investment choices."
Duncan Painter, chief executive of Top Right Group, said: "As CEO my priority is to create a structure and culture that encourages growth. We’re devolving responsibility from the centre and will give our new operating companies the freedom to be more independent, agile and single-minded in pursuit of their objectives. They will develop their own distinct strategies, focused on customer need and our strongest brands, with the aim of delivering better services and sustainable top-line growth."
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